Thursday, September 17, 2009

Inescapable Stress

You can avoid, prevent or escape most of the frustrating and stressful situations in your personal and professional life. There are, however, some situations you simply cannot walk away from. Since chronic ongoing stress poisons the body and scrambles the thinking, you need to find reasonable ways to get through tough times.
  1. Take the time to examine a stressful situation that you can’t escape. Are you truly stuck or have you simply not had the time to explore your options? There are always organizations and support groups out there that offer guidance. You are not alone. Everyone is overwhelmed at some time in their lives.....even the smartest, the richest and the wisest. Google is a blessing when you need to find guidance and moral support.
  2. This is not the time for you to skip your own mental and physical health, regardless of how much you are on overload. Your mind and body are at risk and you are especially vulnerable now. Keep mammograms, chest X-rays and flu shots high on the agenda. Quiet time is essential even if it is only a few minutes.
  3. There is an ancient phrase that comes up in yoga studies: “This too shall pass.” Never lose sight of yourself on the other side of this situation.
  4. Remember that mindful breathing ties together the best of your mind, body and spirit. It is always handy! Turn to your deep, slow, quiet breathing while you are in the midst of the struggle. Amazingly the response takes only a couple minutes. Sometimes your newfound calm alone will alter the situation around you.
Be well. Breathe beautifully.